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judith_moreno2026-04-18

I was recently in the ICU and received Precedex 1000mcg/250ml Inj, 250ml to help with sedation while on a breathing machine. I found it to be quite effective in keeping me calm and relaxed, but I did experience some side effects that I wasn't prepared for. Has anyone else had a similar experience with this medication? I'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have for managing the side effects. I noticed some changes in my blood pressure and had a few episodes of dizziness, which were a bit alarming at first. I also had some dry mouth and upset stomach, which were annoying but manageable. I was fortunate to not experience any serious side effects, but it's important to be aware of what to watch out for. Did anyone experience anything more severe? What kind of precautions do healthcare professionals usually take to monitor these issues?

1 min read
last active 4/18/2026
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Comments (8)

K
kevin_myers4/15/2026

How do you feel about the long-term effects of Precedex? I've read some studies on cognitive impairment, but it's not clear if it's the drug or the overall ICU experience.

D
dennis_jordan4/15/2026

Thanks for sharing. It's awesome how other people have managed to use the drug and live

B
billy_cook4/15/2026

I was on Precedex for a few days and had awful nightmares. I'm not sure if it was the drug or the situation, but it was terrifying. Has anyone else experienced this?

L
lori_allen4/15/2026

Don't use Precedex if you don't have to. It's expensive and I've seen better results with other options. I recommend propofol or another sedative if you're not on a vent, then you won't have to deal with the blood pressure monitoring which is a pain in the butt.

G
gary_cox4/15/2026

for me, the hypatension was the worst part. I had to switch to another medication because my blood pressure was too low. It happened so fast and it was scary. I felt like I was under a lot of stress and it was hard to relax.

S
sean_wallace4/15/2026

Not sure if it's just me but it's important to note the safety of Precedex. Always watch for hallucinations and agitation. I had one patient who was absolutely wild and we had to stop Precedex and move to a different sedative. Ended up with better sedation and nurse's sanity was saved.

E
edward_gardner4/15/2026

I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster. The agitation was bad enough to make me doubt whether Precedex was worth it. I stuck it out, and the benefits eventually outweighed the side effects, but it was a close call.

M
marie_ferguson4/15/2026

Precedex was a lifesaver for me. I was on a ventilator for a week, and it kept me calm and awake enough to follow instructions, yet sleepy enough to tolerate the tube. No major side effects, just some mild dizziness. Definitely a better experience than other sedatives I've had.